Madelyn said, "Remember, I come from the Jent family, the one you all talk about having shady dealings, the one you hate."

Advancing slightly, she lightly tapped the boy's cheek with the bank card, her voice icy, "Go ask your dad if he'd dare to challenge the Jents! And don't forget, those three girls who crossed me..." She paused for effect. "Where are they now?"

Her words triggered a moment of realization among many as memories resurfaced about what had befallen those girls who had messed with her.

The Linney family had teetered on the brink of bankruptcy, and Mrs. Linney had received a five-year sentence for her past actions. Michelle Linney had vanished from sight as well. Jenny Lupert and Lorrie Lamprey's families were in even direr straits. Rumors said that they were burdened with debts amounting to millions and had fled.

Madelyn's words stirred a shift in many expressions. All of them inhabited the same privileged sphere; they understood all too well if any family's business